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$117,134

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HELP US MAKE COMIC HISTORY!

Top Cow wants to do something unprecedented and revolutionary and we can only do it with your support! To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Top Cow and Image Comics, we are planning on re-launching and re-imagining Cyber Force, the series that launched our company. We want to push the envelope not only in terms of content, but also by utilizing forward-thinking distribution methods and the groundbreaking Kickstarter to help us fund the project. With your support, Top Cow aims to be the first major US comic publisher to launch one of their biggest properties with top tier creators concurrently for the traditional print market and exploding worldwide digital market for FREE.

Cyber Force #1 Cover Art

By funding this project, you will help Top Cow (along with comic shop owners in the US, Canada & around the world, Diamond Comic Distributors, our digital partners, and others) produce and give away the first full five issue story arc of the brand-new Cyber Force full color ongoing series. Sure, we could have done this the tried-and-true method and given our awesome hardcore fans a Cyber Force series that they’d be excited about, but we saw an opportunity to change how mainstream comics are produced and reach both new readers and lapsed fans. This isn’t just about making an amazing, action-packed comic series. It’s about changing the landscape of mainstream U.S. comics!

Cyber Force #1 Kickstarter Exclusive Comic Cover

BUT WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Good question! Cyber Force is about a group of cybernetically enhanced resistance fighters on the run from a monolithic multi-national conglomerate. The essence of the new Cyber Force series is bio-cybernetic steampunk. Top Cow founder and Cyber Force creator Marc Silvestri (The Darkness, Incredible Hulk) is returning as co-writer, art director, and cover artist spearheading the unique vision for the new series. Co-writer Matt Hawkins (Think Tank, Lady Pendragon) is collaborating with Marc to create a cutting-edge world based on real technology. Artist Khoi Pham (Mighty Avengers, Daredevil) will be working hand-in-hand with Marc to make sure that every issue is filled with the spectacular, dynamic art fans have come to expect from Top Cow. Rounding out the team will be master colorist Sunny Gho (Artifacts, Incredible Hulk) and letterer Troy Peteri.

Marc Silvestri had this to say about why now for Cyber Force and what it's about:

"Well on the surface, one could say that it’s to celebrate Image and Top Cow hitting the 20 year mark which isn’t a bad reason but celebrating anniversaries isn’t enough. To warrant bringing something back and in turn retooling it, you’d better have something new to say. And that thing you want to say needs to be relevant and organic to the concept/characters. Thematically, the ideas for Cyber Force fit in today’s world much more fluidly than they did 20 years ago. The literal fusion of nature and technology is a future we can all see coming and the doors that open because of it are as interesting as the doors it will close."

"The big idea is that for the first time in history, mankind and his intelligence is outpacing evolution. It takes nature thousands of years to adapt to changes and the things we’ve accomplished technologically in just the past 100 years have thrown our ability to evolve, and in turn survive, completely out of whack. In other words, we’re creating a world of wonders and conveniences that we could never hope to survive. This dilemma is at the heart of what CYBER FORCE is all about."

Judge yourself, take a look at the preview pages, character designs and other art below!

WHERE’S THE MONEY GOING TO GO?

The money you’ll be pledging will go primarily to pay the art team on Cyber Force including Khoi Pham, Sunny Gho, and Troy Peteri. Additionally, it will help offset the cost of printing the physical copies of Cyber Force in order to keep the cost shouldered by comic shop owners to an absolute minimum, pay for shipping the rewards out and offset the cost of producing a number of the rewards. We’ll be taking on the cost of production, marketing, and writing the series. In the event we exceed our goal, the additional funds will go toward the added cost for the additional rewards, lowering the cost of copies to retailers and/or creating additional issues of Cyber Force for free. This is an ongoing series we plan on doing it for a long time and more FREE is ALWAYS better!

When it comes down to it, most comic book Kickstarters ask you to donate money for an item that will be offered for sale to make a profit; Cyber Force is unique because your donation not only rewards you with unique items not available elsewhere, but allows you to share your love of comics with a huge worldwide audience. More than that, it’s about challenging the status quo. Join us!

FAQ

How do I pledge for more than one item?

Currently, Kickstarter has no way for you to identify the items you want, total the money and pass us the info. For example, if you'd like a book and a litho: please pledge that amount in total, and send us a message that you would like those items. We are sent your message in email form, keep it on file and once the pledge drive is over, we'll send you your swag!

Do I have to pay twice for two items sent via international shipping?

Unfortunately, shipping is a thing that is out of our hands. However much we hate having to tack extra money on for shipping, we think we've done the best job we can to make prices as fair as possible. We can't exact shipping calculations like you can do on eBay. Every international item, unless it can be clearly packaged together, will have to be sent separately. We just want to make sure you get your items in one piece!

We will be setting up a FAQ tab once we start receiving questions on things that aren't clear. Thanks for helping us bring comic books to a wider audience!

FINAL NOTE

Hey we can't do this without you. We need your help. We want more people to read comic books and this is our attempt to bring more people into this awesome world we all love so much. Thanks for reading this far and if you decide to pledge thanks so much we really appreciate you!

Support

Select this reward

Pledge US$ 1 or more
About US$ 1.00

You love comics, you like the sound of this project, or you just think Top Cow taking a risk like this is super cool. Right on! We think you’re coolest and we want to give you an internet high five and recognize your support! We’re going to build a dedicated Kickstarter thank you page at topcow.com so all your friends can see how forward-thinking you are.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 10 or more
About US$ 10

Internet high fives and being an early adopter is awesome, but exclusive swag is even better, right? We think so too! At this pledge level you’ll receive an Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover of any of Cyber Force #1-#5, featuring the line art by Marc Silvestri (see picture for first issue). These Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. Pick and choose which issue you’d like or get them all! We’ll ship anywhere in the world. Add $10 for international pledges. Estimated delivery date is November 2012 for issue #1, Dec 2012 for issue #2, Jan 2013 for #3, Feb 2013 for #4 Mar 2013 for #5. Each issue is a 32 page regular sized full color comic book just like you'd find in a comic store.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 10 or more
About US$ 10

Top Cow Swag Random Bag of Books! A suggestion from a pledger so thanks for that. What we're adding is a random assortment of 10 different Top Cow comic books. You don't get to pick what they are, but they're all awesome. They won't be duplicates and at least one will be a variant cover of something. International pledges please add $10 for additional shipping.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 15 or more
About US$ 15

Exclusive swag is cool, but this is comic history in the making, so commit a bit more and get something truly limited. The Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover of Cyber Force #1 (pictured), featuring just the black and white line art by Marc Silvestri, signed and numbered by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins. These Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. Sure, you can get these signed at comic conventions, but this one will come with a Certificate of Authenticity so jealous friends know it’s the real deal and that you rule. We’ll ship anywhere in the world. Add $10 for international pledges.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 25 or more
About US$ 25

Why not give that Andrew Jackson five friends and get the complete set? In exchange, you’ll snag a copy of each of the Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers of Cyber Force #1-5, featuring just the lineart by Marc Silvestri. Plus issue #1 will be signed and numbered by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. These won’t won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. We’ll ship anywhere in the world. Add $10 for international pledge.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 25 or more
About US$ 25

Added by request! You want to look cool to all your friends how could you not want this! A Kickstarter exclusive Cyber Force T-shirt. A black T-shirt with the art from Cyber Force #1 and the updated Cyber Force logo on it. This shirt will not be sold anywhere else and will be available in Adult sizes M, L, XL, XXL

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 40 or more
About US$ 40

Okay. Here’s what you’ve been waiting for, the sweet spot, where the Rewards really start to stack up. First, you’ll get an Kickstarter Exclusive, signed and numbered limited edition Cyber Force print, featuring the cover art from issue #1 by Marc Silvestri. Signed by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins. Plus you’ll get a complete set of the Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers of Cyber Force #1-#5. Each Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover, features just the lineart by Marc Silvestri, and won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. We’ll ship anywhere in the world. As a special bonus, you’ll also a get a digital download code through comiXology for all five issues. Add $10 for international pledge.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 50 or more
About US$ 50

This tier is what we think will be the best value for your buck! At this level, you’ll receive an Exclusive Kickstarter Edition hardcover of Cyber Force Volume 1. This hard cover will clock in at 160 pages and collect Cyber Force #1-#5 and have lots of extras. All backers at $50.00 will also be gifted a digital copy of this Kickstarter Edition for free on comiXology - the revolutionary digital comics platform. That means if you have an iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire or access to the web – you will be able to read Cyber-Force in comiXology’s patent pending Guided View across their entire platform! All this plus lots of swanky bonus features. No, we don’t know what they’ll be yet, but just take a look at Top Cow trades and hardcovers to see we don’t mess around. And as if that wasn't enough, you'll also get those awesome Marc Silvestri line art variant Kickstarter exclusive covers for Cyber Force 1-5. The hard cover and the Kickstarter variants will not be available anywhere else or reprinted. Small children and old ladies will weep at your presence at its sheer awesomeness. Add $10 for international pledges.

So to sum up at this level you get the Hardcover, all 5 Kickstarter variants and the Comixology codes for all 5 issues as well.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 70 or more
About US$ 70

This reward level has been added thanks to a suggestion so thanks! AT this level you get everything at the $40 level including a Kickstarter Exclusive, signed and numbered limited edition Cyber Force print, featuring the cover art from issue #1 by Marc Silvestri. Signed by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins with Certificate of Authenticity. Plus you’ll get a complete set of the Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers of Cyber Force #1-#5 each signed with Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Each Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover, features just the lineart by Marc Silvestri, and won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. We’ll ship anywhere in the world. As a special bonus, you’ll also a get a digital download code through comiXology for all five issues. Add $10 for international pledge.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 75 or more
About US$ 75

You clearly still love comics, just not single issues, but are still a superior human being. Because of this, we’ll send you the Exclusive Kickstarter Edition hardcover of Cyber Force Volume 1. This hard cover will clock in at 160 pages and collect Cyber Force #1-#5 plus lots of swanky bonus features. Yours will be signed and numbered by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins and include a Certificate of Authenticity to confirm its legitimacy. Add $10 for international pledges.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 75 or more
About US$ 75

Still not exclusive enough for you? We understand. What’s that? You couldn’t make it to our amazing panel at San Diego Comic-Con to hear us announce the return of Cyber Force and this Kickstarter? We get it, that trip is expensive. How about we hook you up with the Exclusive limited edition San Diego Comic-Con Cyber Force ashcan, previously only available to those folks attending that panel? It’ll be signed and numbered by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins. Plus we’ll kick in a complete set of the Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers of Cyber Force #1-#5. Each Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover, features just the lineart by Marc Silvestri, and won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. We’ll ship anywhere in the world. Add $10 for international pledges.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 100 or more
About US$ 100

You clearly love comics and we think this makes you a superior human being. In addition to confirmation of your superiority, we’ll send you a complete set of the Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers of Cyber Force #1-#5. Each Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover, features just the lineart by Marc Silvestri, and won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. Each book will be signed by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins and include a Certificate of Authenticity confirming it’s the real deal. Plus, we’ll also throw in the Kickstarter Exclusive, signed and numbered limited edition Cyber Force print, featuring the cover art from issue #1 by Marc Silvestri. Signed by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins, these won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. Add $10 for international pledges.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 100 or more
About US$ 100

The Darkness 2 video game was a HUGE success for Xbox 360 and PS3 and we have 10 copies of the Limited Edition Game Xbox 360 gamer editions here at the office. Marc Silvestri has signed these and for the 10 people who snap these up we will also include the awesome, not to be found outside this Kickstarter campaign (EVER) Cyber Force Vol 1 Hardcover by Marc Silvestri, Matt Hawkins, Khoi Pham and Sunny Gho!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 150 or more
About US$ 150

In addition to having exceptional taste, you are a completist. WIth this Reward, you’ll get a complete set of the Exclusive Kickstarter Variant covers of Cyber Force #1-#5. Each Exclusive Kickstarter Variant cover, features just the lineart by Marc Silvestri, and won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. Each book will be signed by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins and include a Certificate of Authenticity confirming it’s the real deal. Plus the Exclusive Kickstarter Edition hardcover of Cyber Force Volume 1. This hard cover will clock in at 160 pages and collect Cyber Force #1-#5 plus lots of swanky bonus features. Yours will be signed and numbered by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins and include a Certificate of Authenticity to confirm its legitimacy. And we’ll throw in the Kickstarter Exclusive, signed and numbered limited edition Cyber Force print, featuring the cover art from issue #1 by Marc Silvestri. Signed by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins, these won’t be available anywhere else or reprinted. Add $10 for international pledges.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 250 or more
About US$ 250

At this level you’re going the extra mile and we appreciate the heck out of it. The least we can do is go the extra mile and let you know, so in addition to everything at $150 level, you’ll also receive a personal thank you phone call from Marc Silvestri. Or heck, Marc will pretty much call anyone you like - your mom, your significant other, or that really cute person you have a crush on - and tell them how awesome you are.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

Marc Silvestri originals are hard to come by and he rarely does sketches at conventions or signings so at this level you’ll get everything from the $150 level. Your copy of the signed and numbered Exclusive Kickstarter Edition hardcover will come with personalized head sketch by Marc on inside front cover. You get to pick the Cyber Force character you want Marc to draw. Add $10 for international pledges.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

Matt Hawkins has done it all in comics - writing, editing, marketing and running one of the best comic publishers for over 10 years - plus he’s been instrumental in orchestrating Top Cow’s mass media deals including both The Darkness video games, the Wanted feature film, and the Witchblade anime series. Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a one-on-one mentor session with Matt Hawkins at either New York Comic-Con 2012, San Diego Comic-Con 2013, in the Los Angeles area or via Skype. Have Matt focus on a particular skill you’d like to refine, answer your questions about the comic business, get an inside look at how to develop your ideas for Hollywood, or ask him for his best tips for picking up girls. In addition, you’ll receive a super limited edition, signed and numbered script from Cyber Force #1 with a personalized note from Matt. Winner must provide their own transportation and lodging for the in-person mentor.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 600 or more
About US$ 600

A Top Cow character of pledger’s choice hand-drawn by Marc Silvestri on a white smartphone case (specify phone type) plus everything at the $150 level including the exclusives; 5 Kickstarter variants, Vol. 1 Hardcover and the Lithograph!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,000 or more
About US$ 1,000

Marc Silvestri is known as one of the top comic artists in the industry, but his greater legacy is as a mentor and instructor for artists including Michael Turner, Joe Benitez, David Finch, Eric Basaldua, Mike Choi, Michael Broussard, and many more. Here’s a once in lifetime opportunity to get a one-on-one one hour art lesson with Marc Silvestri at either New York Comic-Con 2012, San Diego Comic-Con 2013, in the Los Angeles area or via Skype. Have Marc focus on a particular skill, answer your questions, review your portfolio or reveal some of the secret shortcuts professional artists use to make their job easier. Winner must provide their own transportation and lodging for the in-person art lesson.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,500 or more
About US$ 1,500

Only five backers will have the opportunity for a once in a lifetime opportunity with the creative team behind Cyber Force. This reward includes lunch with Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins in the Los Angeles area. Top Cow will pick up your lunch tab at one of Marc and Matt’s favorite spots, maybe even buy you a drink if you’re legal and then take you for a tour of Top Cow World HQ so you can see where the magic happens. Meet the team behind all of your favorite books, get glimpses at unique pieces of memorabilia, and perhaps even get a sneak peek at some top secret upcoming projects. Plus all of the free comics, graphic novels and other swag you can carry in two hands out of the office. Winner must provide their own transportation and lodging to Los Angeles. Lunch and office visit will be on a mutually agreed upon date.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 2,000 or more
About US$ 2,000

Time for another comic shop exclusive! Marc Silvestri has zero comic shop signings set up for the rest of 2012, but you can change that! In conjunction with the release of Cyber Force, Marc will come to your store for a minimum two hour signing, where he will sign all the comics your customers bring. If that takes longer than two hours, Marc will hang out and sign longer because he wants to make sure every fan leaves with a smile on their face. If you want to make it a bigger event, we’ll throw in Matt Hawkins at no additional cost! To support the signing, Top Cow will promote it through our social media and website. Retailer must pay for business class airfare from Los Angeles to their store, arrange for transportation to and from their local airport, and if necessary one overnight stay in a nearby hotel in addition to signing cost. If you are within driving distance, lucky you, Marc will roll up in his Escalade at no additional cost. NOTE: We will only accept one pledge per major metropolitan area to prevent these events from possibly cannibalizing each other.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 2,500 or more
About US$ 2,500

Material goods are neat. Once in a lifetime experiences are memorable. But it pales in comparison to the reward of immortality! At this level, Matt and Marc will name a character after you in Cyber Force. The character will have a meaningful role, not just an anonymous bystander. Who knows? You might even end up with fans!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 2,700 or more
About US$ 2,700

Everything at the $600 level including the custom drawn phone cover (or a high end pencil commission on art board), all of the exclusives AND one interior art page of Marc Silvestri Cyber Force work from this new series. You'll be given a choice of the 10 pages Marc is doing over the first 5 issues (2 pages per issue). First pledge, first choice on which interior page.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 3,500 or more
About US$ 3,500

At this new pledge level you will receive the Cyber Force #2 original cover art by Marc Silvestri, everything at the $600 level including your choice of a custom drawn phone cover by Marc Silvestri or a high end pencil commission of your choice of Top Cow character AND one of Marc Silvestri's interior Cyber Force pages (ten total to choose from between this and the $2700 level first to pledge is first to choose). You will also receive all of the Kickstarter exclusives including the 1-5 variants, the hardcover, the t-shirt, the litho and the San Diego ashcan! (An incredible deal that if no one else bids on I want for myself -- Matt).

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 5,000 or more
About US$ 5,000

Marc Silvestri's covers are always big hits to fine comic art collectors, such as yourself. You know, and we know that those Cyber Force covers are holy grail items to mount on your wall.
At this level, you can bypass wondering how you can get your hands on one, and actually get the original art cover for Cyber Force #1. Plus, we're going to give you some super rare, signed toys and everything at the $500 level including signed and numbered copies of each of the exclusive Kickstart variant covers for Cyber Force #1-#5, limited edition signed & numbered print, and the Exclusive Kickstarter limited edition hard cover with an original personalized head sketch in it. Own a piece of comic book history!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 5,200 or more
About US$ 5,200

This is a specially requested level that we are adding. At this level, for any small comic book publisher (not in the front section of the Previews catalog), Marc Silvestri will do a cover for your comic project and you get to keep the original art!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 10,000
About US$ 10,000

UPDATED! This is the big comic book store exclusive you won't want to miss. You are a store owner with vision and you can see the potential of Cyber Force and the amazing new audience it’s going to reach. When they think of a comic shop, you want them to think of yours. We do too! Commit at the highest level and dedicate a full page ad out to your store in both the print and digital editions of each issue of Cyber Force #1-#5. You will also receive a Marc Silvestri signing in your store at this level and your choice of one of Marc's interior pages from Cyber Force. He is doing 10 interior pages, 2 per issue and with this level, the $2700 level and the $3500 level it will be first come first serve for choice of pages based on who pledges first! So don't wait if you want this. You can get an original interior page of Marc Silvestri art, a store signing and a FULL PAGE AD in ALL FIVE ISSUES of Cyber Force. The free, paid and digital versions. All will include your ad.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 10,000
About US$ 10,000

A three day, two night all expenses paid vacation to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA staying at the famed Disneyland hotel. Reward includes two, two day passes to Disneyland and two nights at the famed Disneyland hotel. The third day you spend with Marc Silvestri, Matt Hawkins and the rest of Top Cow in Los Angeles! Lunch and dinner and tours of film studios and other Hollywood landmarks with people who have the inside track. Who knows, you might even meet a movie star! Coach airfare is included for continental U.S. International pledgers will need to pay their own airfare.